Fragaria virginiana Seeds | Virginia Strawberry
LATIN NAME: Fragaria virginiana
COMMON NAME: Virginia Strawberry
Plant Profile
Known to gardeners as Virginia Strawberry, Fragaria virginiana is a noteworthy species. The flowers pull in pollinating insects, which quietly widens its usefulness in the garden. In combination, these characteristics make a persuasive case for growing it.
Science & Biotechnology
Research touching on Fragaria virginiana ranges from the botany of the Fragaria group to practical horticulture, including seed handling, propagation and the selection of superior forms. Its wild genetic diversity continues to be studied by modern strawberry breeders seeking disease resistance and flavour traits that have sometimes been diluted through generations of selection for size and shelf life in commercial cultivars. Little about its garden performance is mysterious; it has been grown and observed for a very long time.
Uses & Benefits
Virginia Strawberry works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. Virginia strawberry fruit, though smaller than modern commercial strawberries, is prized by foragers and specialty growers for its intensely concentrated, aromatic flavour, often described as richer than large hybrid strawberries. Its vigorous spreading growth also makes it a useful, low-maintenance groundcover for naturalistic gardens and woodland edges within its native North American range. Thereafter it wants only the ordinary attentions any garden plant receives.
Strawberries are among the most beloved functional fruits, rich in vitamin C, folate and ellagic acid, with studies on their polyphenols for metabolic and skin health; the leaves make a mild traditional astringent tea.
Growing from Seed
Virginia Strawberry is one of those generous plants that come along well from seed. Sow fine seed onto surface of a loose, well-drained mix without covering it, since light supports germination, and keep medium consistently moist. A period of cold, moist stratification before sowing prepares the seed well, and bright light suits young seedlings as they establish into vigorously spreading, runner-producing plants. Level a tray of loose seed compost, sow evenly, cover to about the seed’s own depth, and keep it moist in full light. Move strong seedlings into individual pots, keep them in good light, and set them out when the weather and their size agree.
Our Take
This is a nice option for anyone growing food plants with some novelty, and Virginia Strawberry fits that brief well. It is also refreshingly straightforward from seed, which makes it a good option even for less experienced growers.
Related Reading
Gardeners who grow Virginia Strawberry often pair it with these related subjects: